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The party is a religious order from japan called yodaism run by a Master de-gucci.

Ah, Master De Gucci. I know him, of course. I met him time ago, whe he was instructing me in Italy, since I am sure you know he is a renowed Italian 12th Don.

Actually it's him who put into my silly mind all those preposterous ideas about Aikido being barely usable against groups of folks randoring me with baseball bats.
But gee, he was persuasive!

Since then I have never been the same again, and I started entertaining excruciating doubts about the efficacy of my aikido.

Yet Matser De Gucci reassured me: "Doubt you not. Were you to doubt you not, Aikido yours much better it will be. Be formless and empty you yourself!"

He then said that if I want to reach the true Aikido, I must first pursue enlightenment, which they normally help guys attain by chasing them into dark alleys for excellent public randori demonstrations of their dojo's exquisitely and quintessentially pure Ki-style Aikido. Gratis!

I'm gonna see whether I can find a youtube video of their dojo, and of what they mean when they start their lessons reciting the honourable mantra: "the true Aikido is not the true Aikido. The true Aikido is nameless. Luke, use the Force, use the Force!" (I think he doesn't care whether the Dark Side of it or the bright one - or at any rate he mysteriously didn't mention anything on this momentous account)

Cheers Matthew. That was quite scary. I'll take your advice and go for some fresh air and a funny walk.

I hear it's good for the posture, but do you see now the violence inherent in the system? On your walk, mind those armed with fresh fruit!!!
p.s. I recommend shooting him and then eating the banana to disarm him!
...oops! Gave away the ancient technique!

Ah, Master De Gucci. I know him, of course. I met his time ago, whe he was instructing me in Italy, since I am sure you know he is a renowed Italian 12th Don.

Actually it's him who put into my silly mind all those preposterous ideas about Aikido being barely usable against groups of folks randoring me with baseball bats.
But gee, he was persuasive!

Since then I have never been the same again, and I started entertaining excruciating doubts about the efficacy of my aikido.

Yet Matser De Gucci reassured me: "Doubt you not. Were you to doubt you not, Aikido yours much better it will be. Be formless and empty you yourself!"

He then said that if I want to reach the true Aikido, I must first pursue enlightenment, which they normally help guys attain by chasing them into dark alleys for excellent public randori demonstrations of their dojo's exquisitely and quintessentially pure Ki-style Aikido. Gratis!

I'm gonna see whether I can find a youtube video of their dojo, and of what they mean when they start their lessons reciting the honourable mantra: "the true Aikido is not the true Aikido. The true Aikido is nameless. Luke, use the Force, use the Force!" (I think he doesn't care whether the Dark Side of it or the bright one - or at any rate he mysteriously didn't mention anything on this momentous account)

Look no further Alberto. I have the video here. Part way through you can see some training.

Graham, you look fabulous with that dogi! I want one too! Where have you found it? I am sure my Sensei would be quite impressed when he sees me stepping on the dojo in it!

And I have even better news: I found a video with Master Nick De Gucci! yes!
You will instantly recognize the dojo by the incense they let diffuse in order to make the atmosphere more Ki-oriented. And you will certainly recognize all the most exquisite Judo jargon that is mandatory once there!

You can tell him because he is the one illustrating the tanto technique; it's true that he grew slow and a bit sluggish and grumpier over time, but well, you can't be a 12th Don and still be as fast as when you were in your 20ies.

However, of course, that's immaterial, because, needless to say, his technique was for demonstration purposes only.

On a side note, I've never met Master De Gucci, but my aunt loves his handbags! They make excellent Aikido weapons, and, I hear, were involved in some major battles (neither prewar, nor postwar) as demonstrated here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMqSmiC_xHg

On a side note, I've never met Master De Gucci, but my aunt loves his handbags! They make excellent Aikido weapons, and, I hear, were involved in some major battles (neither prewar, nor postwar) as demonstrated here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMqSmiC_xHg

Matthew.
Just watched the fruit sketch, hadn't seen that one. 16 ton weight underside, ouch! I must agree though, handbags for multiple attacks.

Graham, you look fabulous with that dogi! I want one too! Where have you found it? I am sure my Sensei would be quite impressed when he sees me stepping on the dojo in it!

And I have even better news: I found a video with Master Nick De Gucci! yes!
You will instantly recognize the dojo by the incense they let diffuse in order to make the atmosphere more Ki-oriented. And you will certainly recognize all the most exquisite Judo jargon that is mandatory once there!

You can tell him because he is the one illustrating the tanto technique; it's true that he grew slow and a bit sluggish and grumpier over time, but well, you can't be a 12th Don and still be as fast as when you were in your 20ies.

However, of course, that's immaterial, because, needless to say, his technique was for demonstration purposes only.